THE MEAT MARKET

Evening Star, Issue 16628, 10 January 1918, Page 7

THE MEAT MARKET

[Special to the ‘ Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, January 10 Although nominally this is the second week of the 1918 freezing season, so far, owing to the present high prices, exporters nave not been able to purchase much stock It was expected that at the Addington market yesterday exporters would get an opportunity to commence operations, but, as was the case last week, the supply of stock available was largely taken up by the butchers, A few lines in the beef section went to freezing companies’ buyers, but these were mostly -cows, as. steer beef was much above the prices of 47s 6d to 48s which exporters were prepared to pay. Two companies commenced operations in the Jamb section. The yarding was a good one, and possibly above the requirements of butchers, but it was only bv increasing their rate from 7|d, which they ) paid last week, to 7|d per lb that exporters were able to obtain supplies. This latter fact may be significant, and may possibly be interpreted to ipean that exporters, under the pressure of competition, may advance the rates all round which they state privately they are prepared to pay. These rates, per lb over all, with the corresponding prices at which the season opened last year, are as follow : 1917. 1918. Lambs Bj,d ' 7|d Seconds and over 421b Bjd 73d Wethers fi|d 6d R'res 6d s|d Seconds and over 721b *6d s]d It is not expected, that exporters will be able to purchase much stock this month, as the farmers may hold their stock for a space and fatten them further, in anticipation of higher prices. They can do’this, as there is-plenty of feed available.